All-Visas
Express Entry — Federal Skilled Worker (FSW)
work · Canada
FSW is the Express Entry stream for foreign skilled workers outside Canada. Applicants must score at least 67/100 on the FSW selection grid (language 28, education 25, experience 15, age 12, arranged employment 10, adaptability 10). Requires ≥ 1 year continuous full-time paid work in the last 10 years at NOC 2021 TEER 0/1/2/3. Language minimum CLB 7 in all four abilities. Foreign education needs an ECA. Settlement funds CAD 15,263 (family of 1, 2026) unless arranged employment. Profile enters EE pool; ranked by CRS.
- Minimum stay / validity
- Permanent residence
- Processing time
- ~6 months target
- Official source
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/express-entry/who-can-apply/federal-skilled-workers.html
Requirements & criteria
- [Mandatory] No criminal record
- [Mandatory] ≥ 1 yr full-time skilled experience (NOC TEER 0/1/2/3) in last 10 yrs
- [Mandatory] CLB/NCLC 7 in all four abilities
- [Bonus] Settlement funds ≥ CAD 15,263 (family of 1, 2026)
- [Mandatory] FSW selection grid: ≥ 67/100
- [Bonus] ECA-verified foreign credential strengthens points